Factory Strip removal

[fuzzymonkey]

Would the paint under a 4 year old R56 be faded if I removed the the big factory strips?
Its a metallic black cooper S.

[slimmyreed]

The paint is unlikely to be faded, however the paint under the stripes will have been protected from the usual wear that paintwork is subjected to that result in swirl marks and random scratches. This is what would make the removal of the stripes apparent I think. This can be sorted with a machine polish. Have a look in the detailing forums if you want to try it.